DILATION AND CURRETAGE

A dilation and curettage (D & C) is the most common gynecologic surgery. It is usually performed under a light anesthesia in an operating room but can also be done with local anesthesia in an office.

During a D & C, the cervix is dilated, or opened, with a series of progressively larger instruments. When the desired size has been reached, a curettage, or scraping, of the uterine lining is done. The procedure lasts 5-10 minutes. Patients will be able to go home on the same day and resume normal activities on the following day.

A D & C is used to evaluate postmenopausal bleeding and irregular periods. It is also one of the most common methods of elective pregnancy termination. Finally, it is used for women who are having excessive bleeding from a miscarriage.